TotalEnergies and OQEP launch low-emission LNG project in Oman

OMAN - TotalEnergies (EPA:TTEF) SE (Paris:TTE) (LSE:TTE) (NYSE:TTE) and Oman’s OQ Exploration & Production (OQEP) have initiated the construction of the Marsa LNG plant, a project aimed at establishing the first marine LNG bunkering hub in the Middle East, located in the port of Sohar, northern Oman. The ceremony, which took place under the patronage of Oman’s Minister of Energy & Minerals, His Excellency Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, marks a significant step in enhancing clean energy infrastructure in the region.

The Marsa LNG plant, a joint venture with TotalEnergies holding an 80% stake and OQEP 20%, is set to commence operations in the first quarter of 2028 with a capacity of 1 million tons per year. The facility will primarily cater to the marine fuel market, offering liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering services in the Gulf.

Notably, the plant’s design integrates a fully electrified process powered by a 300 megawatt-peak (MWp) solar farm, positioning it as one of the world’s lowest carbon intensity LNG plants. Its emissions are projected to be less than 3 kg CO2e/boe, which is 90% below the global average for LNG facilities.

The strategic location of Marsa LNG at the Gulf’s entrance is instrumental in establishing the region’s first LNG bunkering hub. The project includes a charter contract for a new LNG bunkering vessel, the Monte Shams, which is under construction and will be stationed at Sohar from 2028. This vessel will supply LNG to various ship types, contributing to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 20% compared to traditional fuel oil.

Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, expressed pride in the project’s groundbreaking, emphasizing its role in supporting the shipping sector’s transition to lower-emission fuels. His Excellency Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi highlighted the project’s alignment with Oman Vision 2040 and its contribution to economic growth and sustainable job creation.

Ahmed Al Azkawi, CEO of OQEP, underscored the project’s significance in promoting innovation and sustainability, reinforcing Oman’s position as a key player in the global energy sector.

TotalEnergies has a longstanding presence in Oman, dating back to 1937, and is actively involved in the development of renewable energy in the country. The Marsa LNG project is a testament to TotalEnergies’ commitment to expanding its natural gas portfolio and reducing emissions in the shipping industry.

This initiative is based on a press release statement and reflects the ongoing efforts by TotalEnergies and its partners to provide cleaner energy solutions.

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